Automatic partition strip feeding mechanism



Nov. 15, 1955 s. E. SCHROEDER 3,

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AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed March 18, 1950 12 Sheets-Sheet 1O Nov. 15, 1955 s. E. SCHROEDER AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM l2 Sheets-Sheet ll Filed March 18, 1950 mm Kw O 0/// wk Ev wwm xv QM o mum 3% QQM R mam AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM l2 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed March 18 1950 United States Patent AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Simon E. Schroeder, Oshkosh, Wis, assignor, by mesne assignments, to (liinton Foods lino, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application March 18, 1950, Serial No. 150,442

32 Claims. (Cl. 93-37) The present invention relates generally to partition forming mechanisms, and more particularly to novel automatic feeding mechanism for delivering a set of partition strips to an assembly zone in position for interengagemeut by transverse partition strips supplied by a second mechanism.

In brief, the present automatic partition strip feeding mechanism comprises a machine which is supplied stacks of preformed partition strips and which automatically drops sets of a predetermined number of partition strips to a platform in edgewise positions, where upon such edgewise disposed partition strips are moved forwardly as a group by a conveyor construction and then by constantly rotating feed rollers, and then stepby-step feed rollers into an assembly zone of an associated machine where such sets of partition strips are supplied with transverse partition strips. The present mechanism is adjustable in all of its component constructions, rendering it highly elastic for the handling of partition strips of various sizes with minimum loss of time in making changes. The present mechanism incorporates an adjustable hopper construction, an adjustable baLse construction, adjustable guide construction, and multi-adjustable composite feed construction which are interrelated in respect to the several individual adjust ments. The present mechanism is capable of feeding partition strips of various sizes and of any material in sets at high speeds to the aforementioned assembly zone of an associated machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide novel automatic feeding mechanism for supplying preformed partition strips to an assembly zone in position for reception of transverse partition strips supplied by a second mechanism, such as a duplicate automatic feeding mechanism as disclosed in the co-pending application, Serial No. 166,863, filed June 8, 1950, and the disclosed nesting mechanism, or such as the partition assembling machine disclosed in the Vail and Dauber Patent No. 2,163,923, granted June 27, 1939.

Another object is to provide improved mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly zone which incorporates a hopper having adjustable partitions defining spaces for stacks of partition strips of selected widths, and which includes improved construction for releasing the bottommost strip of each stack of partition strips and for disposing the released strips in edgewise spaced relation for sliding longitudinal movement.

Another object is to provide an improved automatic partition strip feeding mechanism which is widely adjustable in its several components so that a wide range of partition strip sizes may be readily handled by it.

Another object is to provide an improved automatic partition strip feeding mechanism which incorporates simplified multi-adjustable step-by-step and constant feed roller units.

Another object is to provide an improved automatic partition strip feeding mechanism which incorporates an adjustable hopper construction which facilitates the bandling of partition strips of different widths.

Another object is to provide an improved automatic partition strip feeding mechanism which includes an adjustable base construction which facilitates integration of conveyor construction and feed roll construction in providing vertical adjustments necessary to handle partition strips of certain widths.

Other objects are to provide an improved automatic partition strip feeding mechanism which is positive in its operation of feeding partition strips from stacks of preformed partition strips into an assembly zone, which is sturdy in construction so that maintenance, including replacement of moving parts,.is reduced to a minimum, which is efficient in its operation so that its expected lifetime over-all cost is extremely low, which handles partition strips of various sizes and material as required with minimum damage to such partition strips, and which is otherwise adapted to function as required.

The foregoing, and other objects and advantages, are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an improved mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly zone constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention (Sheet Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof (Sheet 1);

Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view thereof (Sheet 2);

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 4-4 of Fig. 3 (Sheet 2) Fig. 5 is a transverse, vertical cross-sectional view through the lower part of the base construction looking forwardly, that is, to the left in Fig. 1 (Sheet 3);

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on the same line as Fig. 5, but looking from the opposite direction, that is, to the right in Fig. 1 (Sheet 3);

Fig. 7 is a vertical, fragmentary, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 7-7 of Fig. 5 (Sheet 3);

Fig. 8 is anenlarged fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view on substantially the line 88 of Fig. 6 (Sheet Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, crosssectional view on substantially the line 9-9 of Fig. 5 (Sheet 3); i

Fig. 10 is a vertical, longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 1010 of Fig. 3, illustrating details of the partition strip hopper construction and of the partition strip conveying and supporting construction (Sheet 4);

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, horizontal crosssectional view on substantially the line 11-11 of Fig. 10 (Sheet 4) Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of the partition strip hopper construction, the base being broken away, and partition strip release construction being shown in closed position (Sheet 5);

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12, the upper portion of the partition strip hopper construction also being broken away, showing the partition strip release construction in released position (Sheet 5);

Fig. 14 is an enlarged, vertical, longitudinal, crosssectional view on substantially the line 14-14 of Fig. 12 (Sheet 5);

Fig. 15 is an enlarged, vertical, longitudinal crosssectional view on substantially the line 15-15 of Fig. 13 (Sheet 5);

Fig. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view through the lower portions of two hopper partitions and associated partition strip release elements, the latter being shown in one extreme position of movement and the bottom partition strip being illustrated as free along one edge (Sheet 6);

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 16, illustrating the partition strip release elements at the other extreme position of movement, and the bottom partition strip freed along both edges and starting its drop (Sheet 6);

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figs. 16 and 17, showing the partition strip release elements centered and the succeeding bottom partition strip of the stack supported along both edges and the released partition strip dropping downwardly after rebounding from contact of its right edge with the deflector (Sheet 7);

Fig. 19 is a bottom plan view of an adjustable bracket, broken away to illustrate the upper flange, which forms part of each partition strip release unit (Sheet 7);

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of a supporting plate which is secured to the bracket of Fig. 19 (Sheet 7);

Fig. 21 is an end view thereof (Sheet 7);

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of a partition strip ejector blade which is supported between the plate of Fig. 20 and the bracket of Fig. 19 (Sheet 7);

Fig. 23 is an enlarged, vertical, longitudinal, crosssectional view through the adjusting construction for one of the partition strip hopper wall units (Sheet 7);

Fig. 24 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 24-24 of Fig. 23 (Sheet 7);

Fig. 25 is a rear elevational view of one of the adjustable assemblies of the partition strip edgewise disposing construction, the upper portions of the deflector plates being broken away for conservation of space (Sheet 6);

Fig. 26 is a fragmentary, vertical, longitudinal, crosssectional view on substantially the line 26-26 of Fig. 25 (Sheet 6);

Fig. 27 is a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 27-27 of Fig. 26 (Sheet 6);

Fig. 28 is a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 28-28 of Fig. 26 (Sheet 6);

Fig. 29 is a side elevational view of a bracket forming part of the assembly illustrated in Figs. 25 through 28 (Sheet 6);

Fig. 30 is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view, showing one of the forwardly disposed adjustable bracket units forming part of the partition strip guide construction (Sheet 4);

Fig. 31 is a vertical, longitudinal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 31-31 of Fig. 30 (Sheet 4);

Fig. 32 is a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 32-32 of Fig. 31 (Sheet 4);

Fig. 33 is a side elevational view of an adjustable bracket forming part of the unit illustrated in Figs. 30 through 32 (Sheet 4);

Fig. 34 is a view similar to Fig. 30 of one of the rearward supporting bracket units forming part of the partition strip guide construction (Sheet 4);

Fig. 35 is a vertical, longitudinal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 35-35 of Fig. 34 (Sheet 4);

Fig. 36 is an enlarged, horizontal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 36-36 of Fig. 35 (Sheet 4) Fig. 37 is a side elevational view of a T-headed member forming part of the supporting unit illustrated in Figs. 34 through 36 (Sheet 4);

Fig. 38 is a side elevational view of the automatic actuating air valve unit forming part of the partition strip release construction (Sheet 1);

Fig. 39 is a plan view thereof (Sheet 1);

Fig. 40 is a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 46-40 of Fig. 38 (Sheet 8);

Fig. 41 is an enlarged, vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 41-41 of Fig. 2 (Sheet 8);

Fig. 42 is an enlarged, vertical, transverse, crosss'ectional view on substantially the line 42-42 of Fig. 2,

parts being broken away for conservation of space (Sheet 8);

Fig. 43 is an isometric view of a partition strip which may be fed by the present automatic partition strip feeding mechanism (Sheet 8);

Fig. 44 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the composite partition strip feed construction which is disposed forwardly of and receives the partition strips from the partition strip conveyor construction (Sheet 8);

Fig. 45 is a plan view thereof, the power elements and other parts being broken away (Sheet 9);

Fig. 46 is a plan view of a housing forming part of the composite partition strip feed construction (Sheet 9);

Fig. 47 is a side elevational view thereof (Sheet 9); Fig. 48 is an end elevation view thereof (Sheet 9);

Fig. 49 is an end elevational view of a support casting forming part of the composite partition strip feed construction (Sheet 9);

Fig. 50 is a bottom view thereof (Sheet 9);

Fig. 51 is an enlarged, vertical, transverse, cross-sec tional view on substantially the line 51-51 of Fig. 1 (Sheet 10);

Fig. 52 is an enlarged, vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 52-52 of Fig. 1 (Sheet 11);

Fig. 53 is an enlarged, vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 53-53 of Fig. 1, parts being broken away for further illustration of details (Sheet 12);

Fig. 54 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 54-54 of Fig. 51 (Sheet 10);

Fig. 55 is a vertical, longitudinal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 55-55 of Fig. 51 (Sheet 10);

Fig. 56 is a further enlarged, vertical, longitudinal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 56-56 of Fig. 52 (Sheet 11);

Fig. 57 is a vertical, longitudinal, cross-sectional view on substantially the line 57-57 of Fig. 52 (Sheet 11); and

Fig. 58 is a view of a side closure plate and spring forming part of each roller unit.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 60 indicates generally an automatic partition strip feeding mechanism of an improved type constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. Broadly, the present feeding mechanism 60 includes a base construction 62 (Figs. 1 through 9), a partition strip hopper construction 64 (Figs. 1 through 3, 5, 10, 12, 14-16, 23 and 24), a partition strip release construction 66 (Figs. 3, 12 through 22, and 38 through 40), a partition strip edgewise disposing construction 68 (Figs. 3, 10, 12, 15, 16 and 25 through 28), a partition strip support and conveyor construction 70 (Figs. 1 through 3, 10, 11, and 40 through 42), a partition strip guide construction 72 (Figs. 1, 2, 10, and 30 through 37), a composite partition strip feed construction 74 (Figs. 1, 2, and 44 through 58), and interrelating and interconnecting elements and members.

Considering the present automatic partition strip feeding mechanism 60 more specifically, the base construction 62 includes opposed supporting side plates and 81 and opposed front and rear supporting plates 82 and 83, respectively, said four plates having vertical, inwardly directed flanges 84, as clearly shown in the drawings, which are connected together by bolts 85 to provide a sturdy, rectangular box (Figs. 1 through 9). All four plates preferably are heavy castings, although. manifestly, other plates may be employed. The side plates 86- and 81 also include upper horizontal flanges 86 and supporting lower flanges 87.

The base construction 62 also includes vertically adjustable spaced platform members 90 mounted on the upper ends of pairs of vertically disposed shafts 91, each of which is threaded for a portion of its interior length at 92 (Figs. 4 through 6). Each shaft 91 is tbreadedly mounted in a rotatable rider sleeve 93 which has a sprocket 94 formed integral therewith or secured thereto (Fig. 7). The rider sleeve 93 is disposed in a housing 95 which is suspended midway the top and bottom of the respective plate 82 or 83 by integral upper and lower sleeve bracket portions 96 and 97, respectively, which are secured by suitable bolts to inwardly directed bosses 98 and 99 of the plates 82 and 83. Integral upper and lower arms 101 and 102, respectively, join the sleeve brackets 96 and 97, respectively, with the main portion of the housing 95. The shaft 91 extends through the sleeve parts of the sleeve brackets 96 and 97. A collar 103 directly supports each rider sleeve 93. An endless chain 104 engages the four sprockets 94 for simultaneous movement thereof.

For manually driving the chain 104 in either direction of movement to simultaneously raise or lower the platform members 90, there is provided a drive unit 107 which includes a sprocket 108 freely rotatably mounted on the upper end of a stub shaft 109, the sprocket 1.08 engaging the endless chain 104 (Figs. 4, 6 and 8). The stub shaft 109 is vertically mounted in a bracket 110, being secured thereto by a suitable pin 111. The bracket 110 is secured by suitable bolts 112 to an inwardly directed integral boss 113 of the rear plate 83. A bevelled gear 115 is secured to or is formed integral with the sprocket 108 and is also freely rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 109. A second bevelled gear 116 is in engagement with the beveled gear 115 and is secured to the inner end of a shaft 117 which is rotatably mounted in the boss 113 and rear plate 83, and extends rearwardly thereof to terminate in a squared portion 118. A crank handle indicated by broken lines 119 is adapted toengage the squared end 118 to effect movement of the continuous chain 104, and therethrough upward or downward movement of the platform members 90.

The partition strip hopper construction 64 includes supporting side plates 124 and 125, each of which includes a bottom edge flange 126, which are mounted on the upper flanges 86 of the side plates 80 and 81 and are secured thereto by suitable bolts (Figs. 1-3, 5, 10, 12, 14-16, 23 and 24). A transverse plate 127 is secured between the forward edges of the plates 124 and by means of integral flanges 128 and suitable bolts 129 (Figs. 2, 10, 12, 14 and 23). The transverse plate 127 is of the cross section clearly shown in Figs. 10, 14 and 23 and is formed to include an upper guideway 130 and a lower guideway 131, the surfaces of which are divergently related The transverse plate 127 has a central transverse web 132 and rearwardly directed end flanges 133 through which extend suitable bolts 134 for additionally securing the plate 127 to the side plates 124 and 125. Below the guideway 130 an upper transverse rack 136 is secured to the transverse plate 127 bysuitable bolts 137 (Fig. 23). A similar rack 136 is disposed above the guideway 131 (Fig. 14).

Forming part of the partition strip hopper construction 64 are five laterally adjustable partition or dividing wall units 140 and a stationary partition or dividing wall unit 141 (Figs. 2, 3, l0, 16, 23 and 24). Each unit 140 includes a hollow casting 142 of generally rectangular form, each of which is, in effect, a-dividing wall. Each casting 142 includes opposed side walls 143, arear end wall 144, a top wall 145, a front end wall 146, and a bottom wall 147 of T cross section for a purpose particularly described below (Figs. 1O, 16 and 23). Extending forwardly from the front end 146 of the casting 142 are an upper mounting extension 149 and a lower mounting extension 150 which include converging angularly disposed faces 151 and 152, respectively, which engage the guideways 130 and 131, respectively (Figs. 15 and 23). The castings 142, are thus mounted for transverse adjustment.

For simultaneously adjusting the five partition units 140, a housing 155 is mounted on each upper. wall and extension 149 by suitable bolts 156 (Figs. 23 and 24). Within each housing 155, which is of bolt-connected two-part construction for convenience of entry, is a worm gear 157 secured by a suitable setscrew to the upper end of a shaft 158 which is vertically rotatably mounted in the lower supporting extension and which extends through the upper supporting extension 149 (Figs. 15 and 23). The worm gear 157 is spaced from the bottom of the housing by a boss 160 formed integral with the housing 155. A Worm Wheel 161 engages the worm gear 157 Within the housing 155 and is secured by a suitable key 162 to a transversely disposed shaft 163 for relative longitudinal movement therealong. The shaft 163 extends through all five housings 155 and through the side plates 124 and 125, being mounted at its two ends in suitable bearings 164 secured by suitable bolts to the outer faces of the two side plates 124 and 125 (Fig. 3). One end 165 of the shaft 163 is squared for the reception of an operating handle. it is to be noted from Fig. 24 that the shaft 163 has a continuous lieyway 166 and is rotatably sup ported at each housing 155 by bearing sleeves 167 pressed or otherwise secured in sleeves 168 formed integral with the housing 155. Two pinions 170 are secured by suitable setscrews to the shaft 153, there being one opposite each rack 136 and in operative engagement therewith (Figs. 10, 15 and 23).

The construction of the stationary partition or dividing wall unit 141 is identical with that of the just described adjustable units 140, except the housing 155, with its enclosed elements, and the shaft 158, and its associated elements, are omitted. The five adjustable units 140 are moved inwardly and outwardly upon the stationary unit 141 as a base to provide four to seven compartments 173 of selected equal width for reception of partition strips (Fig. 3). Six compartments may be obtained where the width of the partition strip does not require the movement of the right hand adjustable unit 140 too far to the right (Fig. 3). In order to obtain compartments 173 of equal width, suitable worm gears 157 and worm wheels 161 are provided to move the two immediately adjacent adjustable units 140 at a base or unit speed to and from the stationary unit 141, the next pair of units 140 at a speed twice that of the first two units 140, and the extreme left hand unit 140 at a speed three times that of the first mentioned units 140. While five adjustable units 140 are illustrated,

manifestly, a greater or a lesser number of such units- 140 may be employed.

The partition strip release construction 66 is best observed in Figs. 3, 12 through 22, and 38 through 40, and includes a partition strip release unit beneath each casting 142. Each release unit 130 includes a pair of brackets 181 longitudinally spaced along and adjustably connected to each bottom portion 147 of each cast-.

ing 142, and are of the form and cross section clearly shown in Figs. l5, l8 and 19. Suitable screws 182 releasably secure the bracket 181 in place as determined by the length of the partition strips 133 being released. A concave depression 134 is formed transversely across the bottom of the bracket 181. A supporting plate 185 is secured to the bottom of each bracket 181by suitable screws 186, each including spaced transverse upwardly extending shoulders 187 and a rectangular centrally located opening 1% (Figs. 20 and 21). Slidably disposed between each supporting plate 185 and bracket 1 31 is a partition strip ejector blade 190 having a central opening 191, a central platform portion 192, and opposed narrower blade portions 193 (Fig. 22). A square shaft 195 extends longitudinally beneath each casting 142 and is rotatably supported near each end by a bearing 196 of annular outer cross section which is rotatably supported by a depending bracket 197 adjustably secured to the bottom wall 147 of the casting 142 by a suitable screw 198 (Fig. 15). A rocker 199 is adjustably secured to the shaft 195 beneath each blade 190 through the medium of an integral split clamp portion and a bolt 200. The rocker 199 includes a reduced free portion which extends upwardly through the opening 188 of the supporting plate 185 and through the opening 191 of the blade 190 and into the concave depression 184 of the bracket 181 as is clear from Figs. 16 through 18.

Power means automatically actuated is provided for oscillating the shafts 195 and therethrough the rockers 199 to release partition strips 183. To the rear end of each shaft 195 is secured a rocker arm 202 through means of an integral split clamp portion and a suitable bolt 203 (Figs. 12 through 15). To the free end of each rocker arm 202 is rotatably connected a roller 204 by means of a suitable stub shaft 205 which is secured to the rocker arm 202 by a suitable setscrew, or the like, leaving the roller 204 free. The rollers 204 are disposed between bearing strips 206 secured in opposed relation against the inner faces of the sides of a transversely disposed member 207 of channel cross section. The transverse member 207 includes a central and two end depending enlargements 208, each of which receives a bearing sleeve 209 through which extends a stub shaft 210 secured to the free end of a crank arm 211 by welding or the like. A suitable bolt and washer assembly 212 maintains each stub shaft 210 against removal (Fig. 14). An oppositely extending stub shaft 214 is secured to the other end of each crank arm 211 by welding or the like, and is rotatably mounted in a bearing sleeve 215 supported by a bracket 216 secured by suitable bolts to the lower edge of the transverse plate 127. A suitable bolt and washer assembly 217 maintains each stub shaft 214 against withdrawal.

For power oscillating the transverse member 207, there is provided an air cylinder 220 which is pivotally supported at one end by a bracket 221 mounted on the side plate 124 (Figs. 3, 12 and 13). A piston rod 222 extends from the other end of the cylinder 220 and is suitably pivotally connected to a depending enlarged portion of the transverse member 207 at 223. Air lines 224 and 225 lead into the cylinder 220 to opposite sides of the usual enclosed piston (not shown), the cylinder 220 and its related elements being of standard construction. Manifestly, the application of air to opposite sides of the piston within the cylinder 220 in an alternate manner, the previously supplied air being exhausted each time, will result in oscillative movement of the transverse member 207, which will, in turn, effect oscillative movement of the rockers 199 to release partition strips 183 within the compartments 173. For alternately supplying air to and exhausting it from the cylinder 220, there is provided an automatically actuated air valve unit 228 (Figs. 38 through 40). An air cylinder 229 is secured by suitable bolts to a bracket 230 which is, in turn, secured by suitable bolts 231 to side members of the partition strip support and conveyor construction 70 which is more particularly described below. Within the cylinder 229 is a piston (not shown), to the upper end of which is connected a rod 232 and to the lower end a rod 233. An adjustable bolt 234 threadedly engages the free end of the rod 232, and a guide rod 235 is secured into the free end of the rod 233. The guide rod 235 extends through an opening in a horizontal flange of a plate 236 connected by suitable screws to the bracket 230, and is surrounded by a compression spring 237 which biases the piston within the cylinder 229 to the upper position of Fig. 38. A line 238 supplies air under selected pressure into the cylinder 229 for delivery to the cylinder 220 through the lines 224 or 225. It is to be understood that usual suitable exhaust openings are provided in the cylinder 229 for exhausting air from the line 225 when it is being supplied to the line 224, and vice versa. The bracket 230 includes spaced ears 240 which receive a pin 241 peened over at both ends to retain it in place. An actuator member 242 is pivotally mounted on the pin 241 and includes an arm 243 disposed above the bolt 234 for engagement therewith. At the other side of the pin 241, the actuator member 242 includes two spaced depending arms 244 which are connected by suitable screws to an elongated runner 245. The runner 245 is periodically engaged by pusher shafts of the conveyor construction 70, more particularly described below, to rotate the actuator member 242 to depress the rod 232 to permit air to be supplied to the line 224 and to be exhausted from the line 225.

The partition strip edgewise disposing construction 68 is best followed in Figs. 3, 10, 12, 15, 16 and 25 through 28. A transversely disposed shaft 250 of square cross section, including a groove 251 in the rear face thereof extending to near the ends thereof, is supported at its ends by plates 252 secured by suitable bolts 253 to side members of the conveyor construction 70 more particularly described below. A bracket 255 of the form clearly shown in Figs. 27 and 29 is secured to the shaft 250 by means of a plate 256 and suitable bolts 257 below and to the right of each partition unit 140 and 141 (Fig. 26). An adjustment screw 258 is mounted in each plate 256 centrally thereof and engages the groove 251 of the shaft 250. An elongated plate 260 is secured to each side of the bracket 255 by nut and bolt assemblies 261, the plates 260 being in parallel relation to each other and extending forwardly from the respective bracket 255 to a point about half the depth of each compartment 173, as is clear from Fig. 10. Each plate 260 includes upper and lower looped portions 262 which. are sprung outwardly as shown in Fig. 28 forwardly of the respective bracket 255 for a purpose more particularly described below. Manifestly, the assemblies just described may be adjusted transversely along the shaft 250 after loosening of the adjustment screws 258. A vertically disposed partition strip deflector guide plate 265 is supported by hooks 266 welded or otherwise secured thereto and engaging a stub shaft 267 mounted in the brackets 197 and extends downwardly adjacent the interior face of one of the plates 260 (Figs. 3, 15, 16 and 27). A second partition deflector guide plate 270, bent as illustrated in Fig. 3, has its upper edge formed as a hook engaging stub shaft 271 mounted in the brackets 197 and has its lower portion parallel with the plate 265 and disposed adjacent the inner face of the other plate 260 (Figs. 3, 16 and 27). The plates 265 and 270 are gravity biased into their positions engaging the inner faces of the plates 266 due to their pivotal mounts.

The partition strip support and conveyor construction 70 is illustrated in Figs. 1 through 3, 10, 11, and 40 through 42, and includes elongated longitudinally disposed opposed supporting side members 275 which are secured to the transversely disposed vertically adjustable platform members by bolts 276 and extend forwardly therefrom (Fig. 10). A transverse member 277 is secured to the rear ends of the side members 275 and serves as a closure (Figs. 3 and 11). A horizontal plate 278 is secured to the side members 275 intermediate the upper and lower edges through down-turned flanges 279 and screws 2%) and serves as a support for partition strips during part of their forward travel. At the rear and front ends of the plate 278 are rotatably mounted transverse shafts 282 and 283, respectively. The shaft 282 is journaied in adjustable bearings 234 secured to the inner faces of the side members 275, adjustment screws 285 extending through the side members 275 (Fig. 11). The shaft 283 is journaled in suitable fixed bearings, one end being rotatably received by a bushing 286 press or otherwise fitted in the reduced part of a gear housing 287 secured by bolts to the outside of one side member 275 near its front end and the other end in a bearing 288 (Figs. 41 and 42). Sprockets 289 are secured to each shaft 282 and 283 near the ends and receive two opposed endless chains 290, one reach of each of which passes above and moves along the plate 278 and the other reach of each of which passes below the plate 278 (Figs. 10 and 40). Transverscly disposed partition strip pusher shafts 292 are secured to links of the chains 290 by end pins 293 which may be welded or otherwise secured against removal. The power takeoff of Fig. 41 is described below.

p The partition strip guide construction 72 is readily followed in Figs. 1, 2, 10 and 30 through 37, and includes a plurality of pairs of guide plates or strips 298 which are disposed in a manner clearly shown in Fig. 2. Five pairs of plates 298 are illustrated, but a fewer or greater number could be employed. At their rear ends, each pair of plates 298 slidably engages the sprung loops 262 of a pair of plates 260 supported by a particular bracket 255 which lends rearward support (Fig. 10). Each pair of plates 2% is also supported by a forward bracket unit 299 and an intermediate bracket unit 300.

The bracket units 299 are transversely adjustably supported by a square shaft 302 which is supported at its ends by arms 303, each of which is pivotally mounted by a nut and bolt assembly 304 on a post 305 formed integral with the front ends of the side members 275 (Figs. 30-33). The shaft 302 includes a groove 306 in the top face thereof. Each bracket assembly 299 includes a supporting bracket 308 having a web 309 and a shaft engaging sleeve 310 (Fig. 33). A suitable setscrew 311 engages a threaded opening in the sleeve 310 for engagement with the groove 306 to set the bracket unit 299 as desired. A plate 312 is secured to each side of the web 309 by suitable nut and bolt assemblies 313 and depend downwardly therefrom in parallel relation. Each plate 312 supports a guide plate 298 by suitable flush screws 314.

The bracket units 300 are transversely adjustably sup? ported upon a transversely disposed square shaft 318 which is, in turn, supported at its ends by arms 319 pivotally mounted by nut and bolt assemblies 320.0n posts 321 formed integral with the side members 275 (Figs. 2, l and 34 through 37). Each bracket unit 300 includes split supporting bracket 323 secured about the shaft 318 by suitable bolts 324 and maintained in selected position by a suitable setscrew 325 which extends into agroove 326 formed in the shaft 318. A rotatable post 327 extends vertically through the bracket 323 and is maintained against removal by a nut 328 which engages a threaded reduced portion thereof. The post 327 includes a head 330 to opposed faces of which are secured depending plates 331 by suitable nut and bolt assemblies 332, the plates 331 being in parallel relation. Each plate 331 is secured to a guide plate 299 for support thereof by suitable screws 333. I

The elongated guide plates 298 are flexible to permit their disposition as shown in Fig. 2 to provide channels for the partition strips 183 along which they can be readily moved by the pusher shafts 292. The telescopic en gagement of the rear ends of the guide plates 298 with the plates 260, the adjustability of the bracket units 308 along their supporting shaft 318 together with the rotative feature of the post 32.! forming apart of each and the transverse adjustability of the bracket units 299 all combine to render disposition of the guide plates 298 for ready passage of partition strips 183 for a wide range of sizes of partitionstrips 183. It is to be observed that the guide plates 298 extend forwardly beyond the front edge of the plate 278.

The composite partition strip .feedconstruction 74 is best observed in Figs. 1,,- 2, and 44 through 58, and includes a constant speed partition strip feed unit 340 (Figs. 2 and 3) and a step-by-step partition strip feed unit 341 of multiple construction (Figs. 2, 51 andl5 2). The composite feed construction 74 is a compact unit disposed forwardly of the constructions described above, as is clear from Figs. 1 and 2, and is mounted upon a machine such as that disclosed in the Vail and Dauber Patent No. 2,163,923,, granted June 27, 19-39, for vertical adjustment. Two large I -beam segments 345 are disposed in parallel spaced relation and are rigidly secured to a vertical transverse heavy plate 347 at their front ends through the medium of integral flanges 348 and suitable bolts 34). As is clear from Fig. 51, the plate .347 is cut away centrally for the reception of the forward end of a portion of the step-by-step feed unit 341. The plate 347 is mounted against the rear ofa partition assembly machine generally designated 350 against shoulders 351 formed in side plates 352 of the machine 350 in order to be flush with the rear edges of the side plates 352. Plate strips 353 anchored to the rear edges of the side plates 352 by suitable bolts 354 maintain the plate 347 against removal, but permit vertical movement. Identical adjustment units 356 are provided for effecting vertical adjustment of the plate 347 and the whole composite feed construction 74 supported thereby (Figs. 1, 51 and 55). Each adjustment unit 356 includes a threaded shaft 357 vertically mounted in a sleeve358 and held against rotation by a pin 359. The sleeve 358 includes an integral flange 360 secured by suitable bolts 361 to the horizontal flange of a reenforced heavy angle bracket 362 secured by bolts 363 to the base,

364 of the machine 350. The shaft 357 extendsthrough a housing365 which is secured by suitable bolts 366 to the plate 347. Within the housing 365, the shaft 357 threadedly engages a worm gear 367 which bears against acollar 368. In operative engagement with the Worm gear 367 is a worm wheel 369 which is keyed to a shaft 370, the shaft 370 extending through both housings 365 for support thereby and having an adjustment wheel 371 secured by a setscrew to one free end thereof. Manifestly, cranking of the wheel 371 will effect selected upward or downwardrnovement of the plate 347 and the supported composite feed construction 74.

The step-by-step partition feed unit 341 is disposed adjacent the rear of the machine 350, and includes two trans? versely disposed groups of identical feed roller units 375 (Figs. 2, 51, 52 and 56) and interrelating gearing, the feed roller units 375 being supported as the two groups by two pairs of identical castings 376 mounted on the I-bearn segments 345 (Figs. 1, 2, 4-4, and 49 through 52). Each support casting 376 is of the configuration clearly shown in Figs. 44, 49 and 50 and includes spaced feet 377'whichengage the upper flange of the I-bearn segments 345. Bottorn plate segments 378 are secured to the feet 377 by suitable bolts and engage the undersides of the upper flange of the Lbeam segments 345 to maintain the respective castings 376 in movable position. Each casting 376 has a slot 380 which snugly receives one end of a transversely disposed supporting member 381 of rectangular cross section. A plate 382 is secured to the casting 376 by suitable screws to maintain the supporting member 381 in position (Figs. 44 and 51). The plate 382 includes verti-. cally spaced bearing sleeves 383 and 384, opposed pairs of which r'otatably receive threaded shafts 385 and 386, respectively. The shafts 385 and 386 are oppositely threaded on each side of center. Pinions 387 and 388' are secured by suitable setscrews to the ends of the shafts 385 and 386, respectively, the shaft 385 being provided with a reduced square end 389 for the reception of a suitable crank, the ratio of said pinions 387 and 388 being such that the pinion 388 rotates twice to one revolution of the pinion 387 to effect a two-to-one ratio of movement between the two shafts 385 and 386 when simultaneously rotated.

Each feed roller unit 375 includes a housing 392, preferably a casting, which is ilustrated in detailin Figs. 46 through 48. The housing 392 includes a vertical slot 393, a transverse slot 394, an opening 395, vertically aligned annular openings 396, opposed upper flanges 397, and required bolt Wells and openings. As is clear from Figs. 45, 5'1 and 56, each housing 392 is maintained upon its respective supporting member 381 by a plate 400 which is secured in place against the face of the housing 392 by suitable bolts 401 permitting transverse sliding movement. Considering Fig. the plates 400mounting the two outermost feed roller units'375 include an internally threaded sleeve 402 threadedly engaging the shaft 386, the

1 1 plates 400 mounting the next pair of feed roller units 375 include an internally threaded sleeve 403 threadedly engaging the shaft 385, and the plate 400 mounting the central feed roller unit 375 has two internally smooth sleeves 404 which receive the smooth portions of both of the shafts 385 and 386.

A vertically disposed shaft 407 extends through the aligned openings 396 in each housing 392 (Figs. 47 and 52). A knurled feed roller 408 of the type shown in the drawings is secured to the upper end of the shaft 407 by a suitable setscrew, and to the lower protruding end is secured by a pin or the like one part of a universal joint connector 409. A pinion 410 is connected to the shaft 407 intermediate its ends and is disposed within the housing 392 in the opening 395, a suitable setscrew serving to secure the pinion 410 to the shaft 407. A second shaft 412 is disposed in the channel 393 and extends diametrically through a cylindrical member 413, a pinion 414 which is secured thereto by a suitable setscrew, and a sleeve 415, the assembly being maintained in the channel 393 by a bottom plate 416 secured to the housing 392 by suitable bolts, a side plate 417 also secured to the housing 392 by suitable bolts (Fig. 58), and a top plate 418 having an opening through which the shaft 412 extends which is transversely elongated to permit lateral movement of the shaft 412. A spring 419 secured to the inner face of the plate 417 bears against the sleeve 415 and biases the assembly into the vertical position shown in Fig. 52. The pinion 414 is in engagement with the pinion 410 for rotation thereby. A feed roller 420 is mounted on the free end of the shaft 412 in slightly spaced relation to the feed roller 408. Obviously, the feed roller 420 may move transversely away from the feed roller 408 a predetermined limited amount which is desirable when the partition strips 183 are of relatively thick material. It is to be understood that all of the feed roller units 375 of the step-by-step partition strip feed unit 341 and of the constant speed partition strip feed units 340 are identical with the exception of the variations detailed above in regard to the sleeves 402, 403, and 404 and the side closure plates 400.

For powering the two groups of feed roller units 375 of the step-by-step partition strip feed unit 341, there are provided a housing 425 beneath the forward group of feed roller units 375 and a housing 426 beneath the other group of feed roller units 375 (Figs. 44, 51 and 52). The housing 425 is disposed within the cutout of the plate 347 and is secured against movement by bolts 427 extending through extensions 428 of the plate 347 and into the top of the housing 425 (Fig. 51). A transversely extending shaft 430 is rotatably mounted in the housing 425 and has secured thereto intermediate the ends five bevelled gears 431 by suitable setscrews. In engagement with each bevelled gear 431 is a second bevelled gear 432 secured by a setscrew to the lower end of a vertically extending shaft 433 which has bearing guidance in a sleeve 434 integral with the top of the housing 425. The lower part of a universal connector 435 slidingly engages the upper end of the shaft 433, the other part thereof being secured by a pin or the like to a shaft 436, the upper end of which is secured by a pin or the like to the lower part of the universal connector 409. Obviously, the present power connection permits adjustment of the feed roller units 375 transversely. On one end of the shaft 430 is a bevelled gear 438 which has bearing support in a sleeve 439 and which is in engagement with a bevelled gear 440. The bevelled gear 440 is secured by a setscrew to a shaft 441 which extends rearwardly into the housing 426. The shaft 441 comprises segments extensibly connected by a suitable connector 442 (Fig. 57). A bevelled gear 443 is secured to the rear end of the shaft 441 by a suitable setscrew. It is to be noted that the connector 442 of the shaft 441 permits adjustment of the housing 426 towards and away from the housing 425 when desired without interrupting the power chain.

A shaft 445 is rotatably mounted within the housing 426 and has secured thereto intermediate the ends five pinions 431 by suitable setscrews (Fig. 52). A pinion 447 engaging the pinion 443 is secured by a setscrew to one end of the shaft 445. This second set of pinions 431 is engaged by pinions 432, as above-described. Each pinion 432 is mounted on the lower end of a shaft 433, the upper end of which has sliding connection with the lower part of auniversal connector 435, the upper end of the universal connector 435 being secured by a pin or the like to a shaft 436. The shaft 436 is connected at its upper end by a pin to the lower part of the universal connector 409.

The shaft 445 extends into a housing 450 which is adjustably mounted beneath the lower flange of the left I-beam segment 345 by suitable overlapping strips 451 and bolts 452 (Fig. 52). The housing 426 is supported from the housing 450 by suitable bolts 453 and from the lower flange of the right I-beam segment 345 by a clamp 455 secured to the housing 426 by suitable bolts 456. The clamp 455 is secured to the flange of the I-beam segment 345 by overlapping plate segments 457 and suitable bolts 458. This described mounting of the housings 426 and 450 permits adjustment along the I-beam segments 345.

A gear 460 engages the end of the shaft 445 within the housing 450, being secured thereto by a suitable setscrew, which meshes with a second gear 461 secured by a setscrew to a stub shaft 462 mounted at one end in a sleeve 463 formed integral with the wall of the housing 450 and extending into a one-way clutch 464 of standard construction, being operatively connected therein for rotation in one direction only. Extending from the other side of the one-way clutch 464 is a motion input stub shaft 465, on the reduced portion 466 of which is secured a pinion 467 by a key and a nut 468. The stub shaft 465 has bearing support in an enlarged portion 469 of an interior wall 470 of the housing 450. A gear segment 471 meshes with the pinion 467 and is keyed to a stub shaft 472 having bearing support in a wall of the housing 450 (Figs. 44 and 52). An arm 473 is keyed to the other end of the shaft 472, nuts 474 maintaining the gear segment 471 and the arm 473 against removal. A plate 475 closes the outer portion of the housing 450 through the medium of bolts 476. A power shaft 478 is pivotally connected to the free end of the arm 473 by a nut and bolt assembly 479 and extends to a suitable power takeoff member forming part of the machine 350, the power for actuating the present mechanism preferably deriving from such machine 350. The shaft 478 receives reciprocative movement from the machine 350 to oscillate the gear segment 471, which, through the one-way clutch 464 and the above-described elements, effects step-by-step feeding rotation in one direction of the pair of feed rollers 408 and 420 of the unit 341.

The constant speed partition strip feed unit 340 is identical with the forward half of the step-by-step feed unit 341 with the exception of its bevelled gears housing 485 and the power takeoff, the same reference numerals being used to identify identical elements (Figs. 1, 44 and 53). The housing 485 is connected to the lower flanges of the I-beam segments 345 and 346 by brackets 455 and securing elements identical with those described above, the same reference numerals being employed. The bevelled gear 440 is secured by a setscrew to a stub shaft 486 which extends rearwardly from the housing 485 and has secured thereto a universal connector 487 which is, in turn, secured by a pin or the like to one end of an adjustable rod 488. The other end of the adjustable rod 488 is secured by a pin or the like to a universal connector 489, the other end thereof being secured to a suitable stub shaft which enters a gear casing 490 for operative engagement with standard gearing therein (Fig. 1).

An adjustable power input shaft 49] is also connected shaft 506 in positions engaging the racks 501. shaft506 includesa squared end 588 for the reception into the gear casing 490 at one end and at the other end to a constant speed power takeofi? forming part of the machine 350. The shaft 491 supplies power to the gears within the casing 490. 'It should be noted here that a third adjustable shaft 492 enters the gear casing 498 and is connected at its upper end through a universal connector 493, a stub shaft 494, and meshing bevelled gears 495 and 496 in the housing 287 to the shaft 283 for driving the conveyor construction7t) (Figs. 1 and 41).

vThe rear set or group of feed roller units 375 of the step-by-step partition strip feed units 341 and the feed roll units 375 of the constant partition strip feed unit 340 are simultaneously and individually adjustable longitudinally of the mechanism 68. A rack 580 is secured to'the top face of the upper flange of each of the I-beam segments 345 as is clear from Figs. 2, 45, 52 and 53. The castings 376 supporting the just mentioned groups of feed roller units 375 straddle the rack 59!). A second 'rack 501is disposed beside-each rack 508 and is also straddled by the support castings 376, the racks 581 being secured to the supporting castings 376 which supportthe rearward group of feed roller units 375' of the step-by-step feed unit 341 by screws, welding, or the like, for sliding movement therewith along the I-beam segments 345. A shaft 582 extends transversely across 'the mechanism 60 through the two just mentioned support castings 376 and have secured thereto by setscrews pinions 503which engage the racks 580 (Fig. 52). The

shaft'502 includes a squared end 504 for the reception of a suitable crank handle. Similarly, a shaft 5506 extends through the two support brackets 376 which carry the feed roller units 375 of the constant feed unit 348 (Fig. 53). 'Pinions 507 are secured by setscrews to the The of a suitable crank, one being indicated in broken lines in Fig. 53. Suitable setscrews or the like are provided for securing said support brackets 376 in selected moved positions, thebrackets 376 of the unit 340 being thus secured to the racks 501 and the rear brackets 376 of the unit 341 being thus secured to the l-beam segments 345. Manifestly, the two sets of feed roller units 3'75 whose support castings 376 straddle the racks 588 and 501 may be individually or simultaneously adjusted longitudinally of the mechanism 60 after'loosening necessary setscrews or the like.

A laterally disposed horizontal plate 512 bridges the space between the partition supporting plate 2'78 of the conveyor construction 70 and the individual top plates 418 of the feed roller units 375 of the constant speed feed unit 340 which is adjustably mounted by means of slots 513 and screws 514 on the horizontal flange of an angle plate 515 which is secured for vertical adjustment to a transverse shaft 516 by means of slots-517 and screws 518 (Figs. 2, 45 and 53). The transverse shaft 516 is secured through reduced extremities and 'nuts 519 to the webs of the I-beam segments 345. Be-

low the shaft 516 is a second stay rod 520 which extends through the webs of the I-beam segments 345 and is 'Figs. 44 and 45. Similarly, additional pairs of extensible plates 526 are supported through their apertured ears .527 by the next two transverse series of posts 525. The

. forwardmost transverse row of posts 525 are maintained :for incidental .guiding purposes. Beneath each pair of "extensible guide plates 526 is an extensible partition-strip support 528 secured by suitable screws to the' upper flanges 397 of the housings .392, asis clear from Figs. 45 and 56. Hence, there is thus provided ,a guideway foreachzpartition strip 183 which forms a continuation of each of the guideways established by the guideplates 298. It is to be understood that partition strips 183 leaving the last transverse series of feed rollers 408,,and 420 pass into anassembly zone, such as isprovided in the Vail and Dauberpartition assembly machine illustrated in the above-mentioned patent.

Operation It is clearfrom the foregoing detailed descriptionthat the present automatic partition strip feeding mechanism 60 is adapted to automatically release and forwardly feed precut partition strips disposed in the hopperrconstruo tion 64, and to simultaneously discharge a predetermined number of partition strips 183 into an assembly zone in timed relation with the supplying by another machine-of transverse partition strips.

The mechanism 60 is illustrated to simultaneously handle five partition strips 183, although a lesser or a;greater number of partition strips 183 may be handled by the present mechanism-60. Using the automatic handling'of five partition strips 183 as an illustration of the operation of the mechanism 60, five compartments 173 are kept 'filled with precut partition strips 183 of selected material, length, and width. Operation of the mechanism 68 is initiated through energization of the'machine 358 :with which it is associated. The endless chains 290 of the conveyor construction 70 with their supported transversely disposed pusher shafts 292 begin to move about their sprockets 289. Prior to such movement, the rockers 1-99 of the released construction'66 were in substantiallythe neutral positions of Fig. 18. As a transverse pushershaft 292 engages the;shoe 245 (Fig. 39), the automatic-air valve unit 228 is caused to supply air to one side of :the cylinder 220 and to exhaust it .from,the other .to effect positive-movement of the transverse bar 207, therebypivoting the rockers '199 to the positions of Fig. 16. The bottom partition strip 183 in each compartment 173 is released at one side. Thepusher shaft 292 which has wengaged the shoe 245 moves beyond the latter, permitting it to drop under the action of the spring 237, thespring 237 reversing the position of the piston of the air cylinder 229 to exhaust air-from the side of the cylinder 22tl to which it had been previously supplied and to supply air to the other side thereof. Immediately the transverse shaft 207 is positively oscillated in the other direction which pivots the rockers 199 to the positions of'Fig. '17, thereby releasing the bottommost partition strips 183 which fall downwardly by gravity, striking first theangular plates 270 which, in each instance, permits the left hand edge of the partition strip 183 to fall into the space between the plates 265 and 270. The five edgewise disposed partition strips 183 are picked up by. a pusher shaft 292 and are moved along the five guidewaysdefined-by the guide plates 298 at a constant speed until the feed rollers 408 and 420 of each feed roller unit 375' of the constant speed feed unit 340 grip the forward endsthereof. Normally, the five partition strips 183 are moved forwardly by these feed rollers 408 and 420 at an accelerated constant speed until they are engaged by the step-by-step feed rollers 408 and 420 of the rearward group of feed roll units 375 of the step-by-step feed unit .341. The five partition strips 183 are then moved forwardly into an assembly zone in a step-by-step manner by the feed rollers 408 and 420 of both groups of feed roller units 375 of the step-by-step feed unit 341.

As is manifest'frorn the above-detailed description taken with the drawings, the present mechanism 60 is adjustable in its components which renders ithighly elastic and adapted to handle partition strips of various lengths, widths and thicknesses. Thenumerous adjustments are correlated so that one adjustment does not render the mechanism .60inoperative. In view of the .detailed .de-

scription and explanation above of each, it is unnecessary to repeat the operation of the individual adjustments.

It is palpable from the present disclosure that adjustments may be made with the present mechanism 60 to accommodate partition strips of various sizes and materials, and to supply such partition strips at an assembly zone at desired speeds with minimum loss of time and with workable accuracy. The present mechanism 60 is capable of supplying partition strips to assembly zones at high rates of speeds with minimum wear and tear. Moving parts are reduced to a minimum and no moving parts with high impact factors are employed, thereby eliminating destructive hammer action.

It is manifest that there has been provided a mechanism 60 which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips from stacks into an assembly zone in edgewise relation, in combination, a base, hopper means on said base including simultaneously adjustable dividing walls, adjustable means for releasing partition strips from said hopper means, means for disposing released partition strips edgewise, adjustable guide means for guiding edgewise partition strips for a portion of their forward travel, vertically adjustable conveyor means including support for partition strips for advancing partition strips while guided by said guide means, vertically and longitudinally adjustable constant speed feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said conveyor means and for advancing the same, and vertically and longitudinally adjustable step-by-step feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said last-mentioned means and advancing them into an assembly zone.

2. In mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips from stacks into an assembly zone in edgewise relation, in combination, a base, hopper means on said base including simultaneously adjustable dividing walls, adjustable means for releasing partition strips from said hopper means, means for disposing released partition strips edgewise, adjustable guide means for guiding edgewise partition strips for a portion of their forward travel, vertically adjustable conveyor means including support for partition strips for advancing partition strips while guided by said guide means, vertically and longitudinally adjustable constant speed feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said conveyor means and for advancing the same, vertically and longitudinally adjustable stepby-step feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said last-mentioned means and advancing them into an assembly zone, and means for simultaneously adjusting said constant speed feed roller means and a part of said step-by-step feed roller means.

3. In mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips from stacks into an assembly zone in edgewise relation, in combination, a base, hopper means on said base including simultaneously adjustable dividing walls, adjustable means for releasing partition strips from said hopper means, means for disposing released partition strips edgewise, adjustable guide means for guiding edgewise partition strips for a portion of their forward travel, means supporting the rear portions of said guide means for lateral movement for correlation of the same with said adjustable hopper walls, vertically adjustable con veyor means including support for partition strips for advancing partition strips while guided by said guide means, vertically and longitudinally adjustable constant speed feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said conveyor means and for advancing the same, and vertically and longitudinally adjustable step-by-step feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said lastmentioned means and advancing them into an assembly zone.

4. In mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips from stacks into an assembly zone in edgewise relation, in combination, a base, hopper means on said base including simultaneously adjustable dividing walls, adjustable means for releasing partition strips from said hopper means, means for disposing released partition strips edgewise, adjustable guide means for guiding edgewise partition strips for a portion of their forward travel, vertically adjustable conveyor means including support for partition strips for advancing partition strips while guided by said guide means, vertically and longitudinally adjustable constant speed feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said conveyor means and for advancing the same, vertically and longitudinally adjustable step-by-step feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said last-mentioned means and advancing them into an assembly zone, both feed roller means including feed roller units disposed in transverse groups, and means for simultaneously longitudinally moving the feed roller units of said constant speed feed roller means and a group of feed roller units of said step-by-step feed roller means.

5. In mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips from stacks into an assembly zone in edgewise relation, in combination, a base, hopper means on said base including simultaneously adjustable dividing walls, adjustable means for releasing partition strips from said hopper means including releasing blades and means for positively reciprocating said blades to release partition strips, means for disposing released partition strips edgewise, adjustable guide means for guiding edgewise partition strips for a portion of their forward travel, means supporting the rear portions of said guide means for lateral movement for correlation of the same with said adjustable hopper walls, vertically adjustable conveyor means including support for partition strips for advancing partition strips while guided by said guide means, vertically and longitudinally adjustable constant speed feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said conveyor means and for advancing the same, vertically and longitudinally adjustable step-by-step feed roller means for receiving partition strips from said last-mentioned means and advancing them into an assembly zone, both feed roller means including feed roller units disposed in transverse groups, and means for simultaneously longitudinally moving the feed roller units of said constant speed feed roller means and a group of feed roller units of said stepby-step feed roller means.

6. Feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine comprising means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, means for releasing the bottom strips of stacks of preformed partition strips held within said holding means, means for deflecting released strips into edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined spaced relation, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards and into a partition assembly zone including a group of constant speed feed roller units and two groups of step-by-step feed roller units, means for adjusting said advancing means vertically in respect to the associated partition assembling machine topermit feeding preformed partition strips of different selected depths, and means for adjusting said advancing means longitudinally of fed strips to permit feeding preformed strips of different selected lengths including means for simultaneously adjusting said group of constant speed feed roller units and one group of step-by-step feed roller units.

7. In mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips from stacks into an assembly zone in spaced cdgewise relation, in combination, composite feed- 

